U.S. patent application number 14/396463 was filed with the patent office on 2015-05-21 for encoded information reading terminal with replaceable imaging assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Feng Chen, Young Liu, Jun Lu, Xi Tao, Ynjiun Paul Wang. Invention is credited to Feng Chen, Young Liu, Jun Lu, Xi Tao, Ynjiun Paul Wang.
Application Number | 20150136854 14/396463 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49550054 |
Filed Date | 2015-05-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150136854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lu; Jun ; et al. |
May 21, 2015 |
ENCODED INFORMATION READING TERMINAL WITH REPLACEABLE IMAGING
ASSEMBLY
Abstract
An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal can comprise a
microprocessor communicatively coupled to a system bus, a memory, a
communication interface, and a pluggable imaging assembly
identified by a type identifier and configured to acquire an image
comprising decodable indicia. The imaging assembly can comprise a
two-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signal
representative of the light reflected by an object located within
the field of view of the imaging assembly. The EIR terminal can be
configured to output, by processing the analog signal, the raw
image data derived from the analog signal and/or a decoded message
corresponding to the decodable indicia. The imaging assembly can be
communicatively coupled to the system bus via an imaging assembly
interface comprising a plurality of wires and a multi-pin
connector. The imaging assembly inter face can comprise one or more
wires configured to carry the imaging assembly type identifier. The
EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to receiving the type
identifier via the one or more wires, to retrieve from the memory
one or more imaging assembly configuration information items
corresponding to the type identifier and/or to receive via the
communication interface one or more imaging assembly configuration
information items corresponding to the type identifier. The EIR
terminal can be further configured to control the imaging assembly
using the imaging assembly configuration information items.
Inventors: |
Lu; Jun; (Suzhou, CN)
; Liu; Young; (Suzhou, CN) ; Tao; Xi;
(Suzhou, CN) ; Chen; Feng; (Suzhou, CN) ;
Wang; Ynjiun Paul; (Cupertino, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lu; Jun
Liu; Young
Tao; Xi
Chen; Feng
Wang; Ynjiun Paul |
Suzhou
Suzhou
Suzhou
Suzhou
Cupertino |
CA |
CN
CN
CN
CN
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL
INC.
Morristown
NJ
|
Family ID: |
49550054 |
Appl. No.: |
14/396463 |
Filed: |
May 8, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
May 8, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/CN2012/075164 |
371 Date: |
October 23, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
235/462.27 ;
235/462.41 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 5/23203 20130101;
H04N 5/378 20130101; H04N 5/353 20130101; H04N 5/232 20130101; G06K
7/10722 20130101; G06K 19/06028 20130101; H04N 5/2251 20130101;
G06K 7/10009 20130101; G06K 7/1413 20130101; G06K 7/10851
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/462.27 ;
235/462.41 |
International
Class: |
G06K 7/10 20060101
G06K007/10 |
Claims
1. An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal comprising: a
microprocessor communicatively coupled to a system bus; a memory; a
communication interface; a pluggable imaging assembly identified by
a type identifier and configured to acquire an image comprising
decodable indicia, said imaging assembly comprising a
two-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signal
representative of light reflected by an object located within a
field of view of said imaging assembly; wherein said EIR terminal
is configured to output, by processing said analog signal, at least
one of: raw image data derived from said analog signal, a decoded
message corresponding to said decodable indicia; wherein said
imaging assembly is communicatively coupled to said system bus via
an imaging assembly interface comprising a plurality of wires and a
multi-pin connector; wherein said imaging assembly interface
comprises one or more wires configured to carry said type
identifier; wherein said EIR terminal is configured, responsive to
receiving said type identifier via said one or more wires, to
perform at least one of: retrieving from said memory one or more
imaging assembly configuration information items corresponding to
said type identifier, receiving via said communication interface
one or more imaging assembly configuration information items
corresponding to said type identifier; and wherein said EIR
terminal is further configured to control said imaging assembly
using said one or more imaging assembly configuration information
items.
2. The EIR terminal of claim 1, wherein said decoded message
comprises at least one of: one or more printable characters, one or
more non-printable characters.
3. The EIR terminal of claim 1, wherein said imaging assembly
further comprises an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured
to convert said analog signal into a digital signal, an amplifier
configured to output an amplified analog signal by amplifying an
analog signal read out of said image sensor, and a control circuit
configured to control said imaging assembly.
4. The EIR terminal of claim 1, further configured to receive said
type identifier via said one or more wires responsive to detecting
one of: a power up event, an imaging assembly connection event.
5. The EIR terminal of claim 1, wherein said one or more wires
configured to carry said type identifier are provided by an i2c
interface.
6. The EIR terminal of claim 1, wherein said imaging assembly
configuration items comprise at least one of: a power-up sequence
of said two-dimensional image sensor, a format of data outputted by
said two-dimensional image sensor, a number of pixels comprised by
said two-dimensional image sensor, an exposure mode of said
two-dimensional image sensor, configurations of one or more control
registers of said two-dimensional image sensor.
7. The EIR terminal of claim 1, wherein said memory is provided by
at least one of: a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory.
8. The EIR terminal of claim 1, wherein said communication
interface is provided by one of: a wired communication interface, a
wireless communication interface.
9. The EIR terminal of claim 1, further configured to store said
one or more imaging assembly configuration items in a memory file
comprising one or more records, each record comprising an image
sensor type, at least one parameter identifier, and at least one
parameter value.
10. A method of controlling an imaging assembly by an EIR terminal
comprising a microprocessor, a memory, a communication interface,
and a pluggable imaging assembly communicatively coupled to said
system bus via an imaging assembly interface comprising a plurality
of wires and a multi-pin connector, said imaging assembly
comprising a two-dimensional image sensor, said imaging assembly
identified by a type identifier and configured to acquire an image
comprising decodable indicia, said method comprising the steps of:
responsive to one of a power up event and an imaging assembly
connection event, receiving said type identifier via said imaging
assembly interface; performing at least one of: retrieving from
said memory one or more imaging assembly configuration information
items corresponding to said type identifier, receiving via said
communication interface one or more imaging assembly configuration
information items corresponding to said type identifier;
controlling said imaging assembly using said one or more imaging
assembly configuration information items; responsive to receiving
an analog signal outputted by said imaging assembly, converting
said analog signal into a digital signal; outputting, by processing
said digital signal, at least one of: raw image data derived from
said analog signal, a decoded message corresponding to said
decodable indicia.
11. The EIR method of claim 10, wherein said decoded message
comprises at least one of: one or more printable characters, one or
more non-printable characters.
12. The EIR method of claim 10, wherein said imaging assembly
further comprises an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured
to convert said analog signal into a digital signal, an amplifier
configured to output an amplified analog signal by amplifying an
analog signal read out of said image sensor, and a control circuit
configured to control said imaging assembly.
13. The EIR method of claim 10, wherein said imaging assembly
configuration items comprise at least one of: a power-up sequence
of said two-dimensional image sensor, a format of data outputted by
said two-dimensional image sensor, a number of pixels comprised by
said two-dimensional image sensor, an exposure mode of said
two-dimensional image sensor, configurations of one or more control
registers of said two-dimensional image sensor.
14. The EIR method of claim 10, wherein said memory is provided by
at least one of: a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory.
15. The EIR method of claim 10, wherein said communication
interface is provided by one of: a wired communication interface, a
wireless communication interface.
16. The EIR method of claim 10, further comprising the step of
storing said one or more imaging assembly configuration items in a
memory file comprising one or more records, each record comprising
an image sensor type, at least one parameter identifier, and at
least one parameter value.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates generally to encoded information
reading (EIR) terminals and, more specifically, to EIR terminals
comprising a two-dimensional image sensor.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The use of decodable indicia, such as bar code symbols, for
product and article identification is well known in the art.
Presently, various types of encoded information reading (EIR)
terminals have been developed, such as hand-held bar code scanners,
hands-free scanners, bi-optic in-counter scanners, and mobile
computers such as personal digital assistants (PDAs). EIR terminals
typically utilize a lens to focus the image of the decodable
indicia, such as a bar code, onto a multiple pixel image sensor,
which is often provided by a complementary metal-oxide
semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor that converts light signals into
electric signals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In one embodiment, there is provided an EIR terminal
comprising a microprocessor communicatively coupled to a system
bus, a memory, a communication interface, and a pluggable imaging
assembly identified by a type identifier and configured to acquire
an image comprising decodable indicia. The imaging assembly can
comprise a two-dimensional image sensor configured to output an
analog signal representative of the light reflected by an object
located within the field of view of the imaging assembly. The EIR
terminal can be configured to output, by processing the analog
signal, the raw image data derived from the analog signal and/or a
decoded message corresponding to the decodable indicia. The imaging
assembly can be communicatively coupled to the system bus via an
imaging assembly interface comprising a plurality of wires and a
multi-pin connector. The imaging assembly interface can comprise
one or more wires configured to carry the imaging assembly type
identifier. The EIR terminal can be configured, responsive to
receiving the type identifier via the one or more wires, to
retrieve from the memory one or more imaging assembly configuration
information items corresponding to the type identifier and/or to
receive via the communication interface one or more imaging
assembly configuration information items corresponding to the type
identifier. The EIR terminal can be further configured to control
the imaging assembly using the imaging assembly configuration
information items.
[0004] In a further aspect, the decoded message can comprise one or
more printable characters and/or one or more non-printable
characters.
[0005] In a further aspect, the imaging assembly can further
comprise an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to convert
the analog signal into a digital signal, an amplifier configured to
output an amplified analog signal by amplifying an analog signal
read out of the image sensor, and a control circuit configured to
control the imaging assembly.
[0006] In a further aspect, the EIR terminal can be further
configured to receive the type identifier via the one or more wires
responsive to detecting a power up event or an imaging assembly
connection event.
[0007] In a further aspect, one or more wires configured to carry
the type identifier can be provided by an I.sup.2C interface.
[0008] In a further aspect, the imaging assembly configuration
items can a power-up sequence of the two-dimensional image sensor,
a format of data outputted by the two-dimensional image sensor, a
number of pixels comprised by the two-dimensional image sensor, an
exposure mode of the two-dimensional image sensor, and/or
configurations of one or more control registers of the
two-dimensional image sensor.
[0009] In a further aspect, the memory can be provided by at least
one of: a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory.
[0010] In a further aspect, the communication interface can be
provided by a wired communication interface or a wireless
communication interface.
[0011] In a further aspect, the EIR terminal can be further
configured to store one or more imaging assembly configuration
items in a memory file comprising one or more records, each record
comprising an image sensor type, at least one parameter identifier,
and at least one parameter value.
[0012] In another embodiment, there is provided a method of
controlling an imaging assembly by an EIR terminal comprising a
microprocessor, a memory, a communication interface, and a
pluggable imaging assembly communicatively coupled to the system
bus via an imaging assembly interface comprising a plurality of
wires and a multi-pin connector. The method can comprise the step
of, responsive to detecting a power up event or an imaging assembly
connection event, receiving the type identifier via the imaging
assembly interface. The method can further comprise the step of
receiving one or more imaging assembly configuration information
items corresponding to the type identifier. In one embodiment, the
EIR terminal can retrieve the imaging assembly configuration
information items from the memory of the EIR terminal.
Alternatively, the EIR terminal can transmit a request comprising
the type identifier to an external computer and receive the imaging
assembly configuration information items from the external
computer. The method can further comprise the step of controlling
the imaging assembly using the imaging assembly configuration
information items. The method can further comprise the step of,
responsive to receiving an analog signal outputted by the imaging
assembly, converting the analog signal into a digital signal. The
method can further comprise the step of outputting, by processing
the digital signal, the raw image data derived from the analog
signal and/or a decoded message corresponding to the decodable
indicia.
[0013] In a further aspect, the method can further comprise the
step of storing one or more imaging assembly configuration items in
a memory file comprising one or more records, each record
comprising an image sensor type, at least one parameter identifier,
and at least one parameter value.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The features described herein can be better understood with
reference to the drawings described below. The drawings are not
necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon
illustrating the principles of the invention. In the drawings, like
numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various
views.
[0015] FIGS. 1a-1c schematically illustrate one embodiment of the
EIR terminal described herein;
[0016] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a component diagram of one
embodiment of the EIR terminal described herein;
[0017] FIGS. 3a-3b schematically illustrate data structures for
storing and retrieving imaging assembly configuration information
for the EIR terminal described herein;
[0018] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a network diagram of one
embodiment of a data collection system employing EIR terminals
described herein;
[0019] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart of one embodiment of a method of
controlling a pluggable imaging assembly by the EIR terminal
described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] In one embodiment, there is provided an encoded information
reading (EIR) terminal that can be used, for example, for bar code
reading and decoding in point-of-sale (POS) and other applications.
A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other uses of EIR
terminal are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0021] A product bearing decodable indicia can be scanned by the
EIR terminal. As used herein, "decodable indicia" is intended to
denote an encoded representation, such as the representation in a
bar code symbology, of a message string comprising alphanumeric and
non-alphanumeric characters. Decodable indicia can be used to
convey information, such as the identification of the source and
the model of a product, for example in a UPC bar code that can
comprises six, eight, twelve or thirteen encoded symbol characters
representing numerical digits. The EIR terminal disclosed herein
can be employed to acquire and decode images of decodable indicia.
The EIR terminal can be configured to output raw image data
containing decodable indicia and/or a decoded message corresponding
to the decodable indicia.
[0022] Of course, devices that read bar codes, read RFID, or read
cards bearing encoded information may read more than one of these
categories while remaining within the scope of this disclosure. For
example, a device that reads bar codes may include a card reader,
and/or RFID reader; a device that reads RFID may also be able to
read bar codes and/or cards; and a device that reads cards may be
able to also read bar codes and/or RFID. For further clarity, it is
not necessary that a device's primary function involve any of these
functions in order to be considered such a device; for example, a
cellular telephone, smartphone, or PDA that is capable of reading
bar codes is an EIR terminal for purposes of this disclosure.
[0023] In a further aspect, the EIR terminal can comprise an
imaging assembly. The imaging assembly can in turn comprise a
two-dimensional image sensor configured to output an analog signal
representative of the light reflected by the physical object
located within the field of view of the imaging assembly (e.g., a
retail item bearing a bar code label). The imaging assembly can
further comprise an amplifier configured to amplify the analog
signal read out of the image sensor. The imaging assembly can
further comprise an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured to
convert the amplified analog signal into a digital signal. The
imaging assembly can further comprise a control circuit configured
to control the imaging assembly by varying the image sensor
exposure period, the amplifier gain, and/or other imaging assembly
parameters.
[0024] In a further aspect, the EIR terminal can comprise a
microprocessor programmed to process the digital signals outputted
by the A/D converter. The microprocessor can be further programmed
to output raw image data derived from the digital signal or a
decoded message corresponding to the decodable indicia contained
within the acquired image.
[0025] Due to operational requirements, the EIR terminal may need
to support several types of replaceable two-dimensional image
sensors. To facilitate image sensor replacement, the imaging
assembly can be made pluggable, i.e., can be communicatively
coupled to the system bus of the EIR terminal over an imaging
assembly interface comprising a multi-pin electromechanical
connector.
[0026] In a further aspect, the imaging assembly can be identified
by a type identifier which can be stored by the imaging assembly in
a non-volatile memory accessible over the imaging assembly
interface.
[0027] In operation, the EIR terminal can, responsive to being
reset or powered-up, receive the imaging assembly type identifier
over the imaging assembly interface. The EIR terminal can then
retrieve from its memory or receive from an external computer the
imaging assembly configuration information which can be used to
control the imaging assembly.
[0028] One embodiment of EIR terminal 100 is shown in in FIGS. 1a
(front panel view), 1b (side panel view), and 1c (bottom panel
view). EIR terminal 100 can comprise housing 52 within which other
components of EIR terminal 100 can be disposed. LCD screen display
with touch screen sensor 54 can be disposed on the front panel 56.
Also disposed on front panel 56 can be decode LED 58, scan led 62,
and keyboard 64 including scan key 68 and navigation keys 72.
Imaging window 74 can be disposed on the top panel of housing 52.
Disposed on the side panel (best viewed in FIG. 1b) can be
infra-red communication port 76, access door to a secure digital
(SD) memory interface 78, audio jack 80, and hand strap 82.
Disposed on the bottom panel (best viewed in FIG. 1c) can be
multi-pin mechanical connector 84 and hand strap clip 86.
[0029] While FIGS. 1a-1c illustrate a hand held housing, a skilled
artisan would appreciate the fact that other types and form factors
of terminal housings are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, described is a component diagram of
the indicia reading terminal 100. Terminal 100 can comprise an
imaging assembly 116 including an image sensor 102, such as a CCD
image sensor or a CMOS image sensor. Image sensor 102 can in turn
comprise a multiple pixel image sensor array 104 having pixels
arranged in rows and columns of pixels, column circuitry 106, and
row circuitry 108. Associated with the image sensor 102 can be
amplifier circuitry 110, and an A/D converter 112 which can convert
image information in the form of analog signals read out of
multiple pixel image sensor array 104 into the image information in
the form of digital signals. Image sensor 102 can also have an
associated timing and control circuit 114 for use in controlling,
e.g., the exposure period of image sensor 102, and/or gain applied
to the amplifier 110. The noted circuit components 102, 110, 112,
and 114 can be packaged into a common imaging assembly integrated
circuit 116.
[0031] In the course of operation of the EIR terminal 100, analog
signals can be read out of image sensor 102, converted into a
digital form, and stored into a system memory such as RAM 120. A
memory 122 of EIR terminal 100 can include RAM 120, a nonvolatile
memory such as EPROM 124, and a storage memory device 126 such as
may be provided by a flash memory or a hard drive memory. In one
embodiment, EIR terminal 100 can include microprocessor 118 which
can be adapted to read out image data stored in memory 122 and
subject such image data to various image processing algorithms. In
a further aspect, microprocessor 118 can be configured to process
the image data stored in memory 122 and to output the raw image
data and/or to locate decodable indicia within the image and to
output a decoded message corresponding to the decodable
indicia.
[0032] In a further aspect, EIR terminal 100 can include a direct
memory access unit (DMA) 128 for routing image information read out
from image sensor 102 that has been subject to conversion to RAM
120. In another embodiment, EIR terminal 100 can employ a system
bus providing for bus arbitration mechanism (e.g., a PCI bus) thus
eliminating the need for a central DMA controller. A skilled
artisan would appreciate that other embodiments of the system bus
architecture and/or direct memory access components providing for
efficient data transfer between the image sensor 102 and RAM 120
are within the scope of this disclosure.
[0033] In another aspect, EIR terminal 100 can include an imaging
lens assembly 130 for focusing an image of the decodable indicia 30
onto image sensor 102. Imaging light rays can be transmitted about
an optical axis 132. Lens assembly 130 can be controlled with use
of lens assembly control circuit 144. Lens assembly control circuit
144 can send signals to lens assembly 130, e.g., for changing a
focal length and/or a best focus distance of lens assembly 130.
[0034] EIR terminal 100 can include various interface circuits for
coupling several of the peripheral devices to system address/data
bus (system bus) 158. EIR terminal 100 can include interface
circuit 160 for coupling image sensor timing and control circuit
timing and control circuit 144 to system bus 158, interface circuit
162 for coupling the lens assembly control circuit 144 to system
bus 158, interface circuit 164 for coupling the illumination
assembly control circuit 146 to system bus 158, interface circuit
166 for coupling the display 150 to system bus 158, interface
circuit 168 for coupling keyboard 152, pointing device 154, and
trigger 156 to system bus 158, and interface circuit 170 for
coupling the filter module control circuit 148 to system bus
158.
[0035] In a further aspect, EIR terminal 100 can include one or
more I/O interfaces 172, 174 for providing communication with
external devices (e.g., a POS cash register computer, a retail
store server, an inventory facility server, a local area network
base station, or a cellular base station). I/O interfaces 172, 174
can be interfaces of any combination of known computer interfaces,
e.g., Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), USB, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, CDMA, and
GSM.
[0036] As noted herein supra, EIR terminal 100 can be adapted to
support several types of pluggable imaging assemblies. To
facilitate imaging assembly replacement, the imaging assembly can
be communicatively coupled to the system bus of the EIR terminal
over the imaging assembly interface comprising a multi-pin
electromechanical connector. The imaging assembly can be identified
by a type identifier which can be stored by the imaging assembly in
a non-volatile memory 115 accessible over the imaging assembly
interface.
[0037] In a further aspect, the imaging assembly interface can
comprise one or more wires configured to carry digital signals
outputted by A/D converter 112. The imaging assembly interface can
further comprise one or more wires configured to carry digital
signals to and from timing and control circuit 114. The imaging
assembly interface can further comprise one or more wires
configured to carry imaging assembly type information stored in
memory 115. In one embodiment, the imaging assembly type
information can be carried over an I.sup.2C interface
communicatively coupled to system bus 158 via an I.sup.2C interface
controller (not shown in FIG. 2).
[0038] As noted herein supra, in operation, EIR terminal 1000 can,
responsive to being reset or powered-up, receive the imaging
assembly type over the imaging assembly interface. The EIR terminal
can then retrieve from its memory or receive from an external
computer imaging assembly configuration information corresponding
to the imaging assembly type identifier. The imaging assembly
configuration information can then be used to control the imaging
assembly in the course of operation of EIR terminal 100.
[0039] In a further aspect, the imaging assembly configuration
information can include, for example, a power-up sequence of the
two-dimensional image sensor; a format of data outputted by the
two-dimensional image sensor (e.g., raw image, JPEG, YUV422, etc.);
the pixel resolution of the two-dimensional image sensor (e.g.,
640.times.480, 1024.times.768); the exposure mode of the
two-dimensional image sensor (e.g., rolling shutter or global
shutter); configurations of one or more control registers of the
two-dimensional image sensor (e.g., exposure control register, gain
control register, etc.)
[0040] In one embodiment, the image assembly configuration
information can be stored in a look-up table comprising a plurality
of records. Each record can comprise an image sensor type
identifier, at least one parameter identifier, and at least one
parameter value, as schematically shown in FIG. 3a. In a further
aspect, each record identified by the image sensor type identifier
can comprise a sequence of <name=value> pairs, wherein name
represents a parameter name and value represents one or more
parameter values. In another embodiment, the image assembly
parameters can be stored in an XML file comprising parameter names
and values; and example of an XML file is shown in FIG. 3b.
[0041] In a further aspect, the look-up table and the XML file can
be stored in a volatile or non-volatile memory of the EIR terminal
100. A skilled artisan would appreciate the fact that other methods
of storing imaging assembly configuration information are within
the scope of the disclosure.
[0042] In a further aspect, the EIR terminal can be incorporated in
a data collection system. One embodiment of the data collection
system, schematically shown in FIG. 4, can include a plurality of
EIR terminals 100a-100z in communication with a plurality of
interconnected networks 110a-110z.
[0043] An EIR terminal 100a-100z can establish a communication
session with an external computer 171. In one embodiment, network
frames can be exchanged by the EIR terminal 100 and the external
computer 171 via one or more routers 140, access points 135, and
other infrastructure elements. In another embodiment, the external
computer 171 can be reachable by the EIR terminal 100 via a local
area network (LAN). In a yet another embodiment, the external
computer 171 can be reachable by the EIR terminal 100 via a wide
area network (WAN). In a yet another embodiment, the external
computer 171 can be reachable by the EIR terminal 100 directly
(e.g., via a wired or wireless interface). A skilled artisan would
appreciate the fact that other methods of providing
interconnectivity between the EIR terminal 100 and the external
computer 171 relying upon LANs, WANs, virtual private networks
(VPNs), and/or other types of network are within the scope of this
disclosure.
[0044] A "computer" herein shall refer to a programmable device for
data processing and control, including a central processing unit
(CPU), a memory, and at least one communication interface. For
example, in one embodiment, a computer can be provided by a server
running a single instance of a multi-tasking operating system. In
another embodiment, a computer can be provided by a virtual server,
i.e., an isolated instance of a guest operating system running
within a host operating system. A "network" herein shall refer to a
set of hardware and software components implementing a plurality of
communication channels between two or more computers. A network can
be provided, e.g., by a local area network (LAN), or a wide area
network (WAN). While different networks can be designated herein,
it is recognized that a single network as seen from the application
layer interface to the network layer of the OSI model can comprise
a plurality of lower layer networks, i.e., what can be regarded as
a single Internet Protocol (IP) network, can include a plurality of
different physical networks.
[0045] The communications between the EIR terminal 100 and the
external computer 171 can comprise a series of requests and
responses transmitted over one or more TCP connections. A skilled
artisan would appreciate the fact that using various transport and
application level protocols is within the scope and the spirit of
the invention.
[0046] At least one of the messages transmitted by EIR terminal 100
can include the imaging assembly type identifier. For example, EIR
terminal 100 can transmit a request to the external computer to
retrieve imaging assembly configuration information corresponding
to the imaging assembly type identifier identifying the imaging
assembly currently plugged into EIR terminal 100.
[0047] One embodiment of a method of controlling a pluggable
imaging assembly by EIR terminal 100 is now being described with
references to FIG. 5.
[0048] Responsive to detecting, within the event processing loop
4010-4040, a power-up event or an imaging assembly connection
event, EIR terminal 100 can, at step 4050, receive imaging assembly
type identifier over the imaging assembly interface as described in
details herein supra.
[0049] At step 4060, EIR terminal 100 can retrieve the imaging
assembly configuration information corresponding to the imaging
assembly type identifier. In one embodiment, EIR terminal 100 can
retrieve the imaging assembly configuration information from the
memory of EIR terminal 100. Alternatively, EIR terminal 100 can
transmit to an external computer a request comprising the imaging
assembly type identifier, and receive the imaging assembly
configuration information from the external computer.
[0050] At step 4070, EIR terminal 100 can control the imaging
assembly using the received configuration information.
[0051] Responsive to detecting, within the user interface input
loop 4080-4100, an acquire image user interface command, EIR
terminal 100 can, at step 4100, acquire an image comprising
decodable indicia using the imaging assembly.
[0052] At step 4420, EIR terminal 100 can output raw image data
and/or decoded message corresponding to the decodable indicia.
[0053] Upon completing step 4420, the method can loop back to the
event processing loop 4010-4040.
[0054] While the present invention has been described with
reference to a number of specific embodiments, it will be
understood that the true spirit and scope of the invention should
be determined only with respect to claims that can be supported by
the present specification. Further, while in numerous cases herein
wherein systems and apparatuses and methods are described as having
a certain number of elements it will be understood that such
systems, apparatuses and methods can be practiced with fewer than
the mentioned certain number of elements. Also, while a number of
particular embodiments have been described, it will be understood
that features and aspects that have been described with reference
to each particular embodiment can be used with each remaining
particularly described embodiment.
[0055] A sample of systems and methods that are described herein
follows:
[0056] A1. An encoded information reading (EIR) terminal
comprising:
[0057] a microprocessor communicatively coupled to a system
bus;
[0058] a memory;
[0059] a communication interface;
[0060] a pluggable imaging assembly identified by a type identifier
and configured to acquire an image comprising decodable indicia,
said imaging assembly comprising a two-dimensional image sensor
configured to output an analog signal representative of light
reflected by an object located within a field of view of said
imaging assembly;
[0061] wherein said EIR terminal is configured to output, by
processing said analog signal, at least one of: raw image data
derived from said analog signal, a decoded message corresponding to
said decodable indicia;
[0062] wherein said imaging assembly is communicatively coupled to
said system bus via an imaging assembly interface comprising a
plurality of wires and a multi-pin connector;
[0063] wherein said imaging assembly interface comprises one or
more wires configured to carry said type identifier;
[0064] wherein said EIR terminal is configured, responsive to
receiving said type identifier via said one or more wires, to
perform at least one of: retrieving from said memory one or more
imaging assembly configuration information items corresponding to
said type identifier, receiving via said communication interface
one or more imaging assembly configuration information items
corresponding to said type identifier; and
[0065] wherein said EIR terminal is further configured to control
said imaging assembly using said one or more imaging assembly
configuration information items.
[0066] A2. The EIR terminal of (A1), wherein said decoded message
comprises at least one of: one or more printable characters, one or
more non-printable characters.
[0067] A3. The EIR terminal of (A1), wherein said imaging assembly
further comprises an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured
to convert said analog signal into a digital signal, an amplifier
configured to output an amplified analog signal by amplifying an
analog signal read out of said image sensor, and a control circuit
configured to control said imaging assembly.
[0068] A4. The EIR terminal of (A1), further configured to receive
said type identifier via said one or more wires responsive to
detecting one of: a power up event, an imaging assembly connection
event.
[0069] A5. The EIR terminal of (A1), wherein said one or more wires
configured to carry said type identifier are provided by an i2c
interface.
[0070] A6. The EIR terminal of (A1), wherein said imaging assembly
configuration items comprise at least one of: a power-up sequence
of said two-dimensional image sensor, a format of data outputted by
said two-dimensional image sensor, a number of pixels comprised by
said two-dimensional image sensor, an exposure mode of said
two-dimensional image sensor, configurations of one or more control
registers of said two-dimensional image sensor.
[0071] A7. The EIR terminal of (A1), wherein said memory is
provided by at least one of: a volatile memory, a non-volatile
memory.
[0072] A8. The EIR terminal of (A1), wherein said communication
interface is provided by one of: a wired communication interface, a
wireless communication interface.
[0073] A9. The EIR terminal of (A1), further configured to store
said one or more imaging assembly configuration items in a memory
file comprising one or more records, each record comprising an
image sensor type, at least one parameter identifier, and at least
one parameter value.
[0074] B1. A method of controlling an imaging assembly by an EIR
terminal comprising a microprocessor, a memory, a communication
interface, and a pluggable imaging assembly communicatively coupled
to said system bus via an imaging assembly interface comprising a
plurality of wires and a multi-pin connector, said imaging assembly
comprising a two-dimensional image sensor, said imaging assembly
identified by a type identifier and configured to acquire an image
comprising decodable indicia, said method comprising the steps
of:
[0075] responsive to one of a power up event and an imaging
assembly connection event, receiving said type identifier via said
imaging assembly interface;
[0076] performing at least one of: retrieving from said memory one
or more imaging assembly configuration information items
corresponding to said type identifier, receiving via said
communication interface one or more imaging assembly configuration
information items corresponding to said type identifier;
[0077] controlling said imaging assembly using said one or more
imaging assembly configuration information items;
[0078] responsive to receiving an analog signal outputted by said
imaging assembly, converting said analog signal into a digital
signal;
[0079] outputting, by processing said digital signal, at least one
of: raw image data derived from said analog signal, a decoded
message corresponding to said decodable indicia.
[0080] B2. The EIR method of (B1), wherein said decoded message
comprises at least one of: one or more printable characters, one or
more non-printable characters.
[0081] B3. The EIR method of (B1), wherein said imaging assembly
further comprises an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter configured
to convert said analog signal into a digital signal, an amplifier
configured to output an amplified analog signal by amplifying an
analog signal read out of said image sensor, and a control circuit
configured to control said imaging assembly.
[0082] B4. The EIR method of (B1), wherein said imaging assembly
configuration items comprise at least one of: a power-up sequence
of said two-dimensional image sensor, a format of data outputted by
said two-dimensional image sensor, a number of pixels comprised by
said two-dimensional image sensor, an exposure mode of said
two-dimensional image sensor, configurations of one or more control
registers of said two-dimensional image sensor.
[0083] B5. The EIR method of (B1), wherein said memory is provided
by at least one of: a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory.
[0084] B6. The EIR method of (B1), wherein said communication
interface is provided by one of: a wired communication interface, a
wireless communication interface.
[0085] B7. The EIR method of (B1), further comprising the step of
storing said one or more imaging assembly configuration items in a
memory file comprising one or more records, each record comprising
an image sensor type, at least one parameter identifier, and at
least one parameter value.
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